Boy’s name · Welsh, English

Marvin

How to say it: MAR-vin · /ˈmɑrvɪn/

Derived from the Welsh Merfyn, meaning 'marrow famous' or 'sea friend'; also linked to Old English Merewine.

Marvin was the 654th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 385 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1930s, its births are down about 27% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #719 by 2030.

Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures

#654for boys in 2025
1 in 8,611US babies
385born in 2025
#719projected for 2030
1930sits peak decade
under 1 in 200chance a classmate shares it

Key facts

Key facts about Marvin
Rank among boys’ names, 2025#654
Babies born in 2025385
Share of births1 in 8,611
Peak decade1930s
Change over 10 years−27%
Projected rank for 2030 (estimate)#719
In France, 2025#561 among boys’ names, 45 births

Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.

Its life, decade by decade

Use of Marvin reached its height in the 1930s and has thinned considerably since to a level far below that peak. More fading is probable soon.

1900195020002020–25
Peak: 3,895 per million births, 1930s.

What goes with it

Mellow and murmuring with soft breathy texture, Marvin feels understated. Marv offers a familiar short form.

Nicknames

  • Marv

Other spellings

Honouring a Marvin in the family

In the classroom

In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Marvin is about under 1 in 200.

Around the world

This spelling is used in Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, Swedish, Welsh.

In France: #561 for boys in 2025.

Famous people named Marvin

From Wikidata and Wikipedia

Keep exploring

Find names you'll both love, starting with Marvin

The one-minute style quiz.

Take the quiz

Or see the Vowel app →